The Maryborough Giants got an early finals test, holding out a furious final quarter fightback from Talbot to hold on by a goal at Talbot Recreation Reserve.
It was the second and third quarters which proved to be the difference for the Giants, who will now look to take their winning form into a clash with Natte Bealiba next week in their qualifying final at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve, while Talbot will take the court the following day in their first final in 15 years against Maldon.
The Hawks started off promisingly as they showed they were a much different proposition to the team that lost by 37 goals on the opening day of the season, leading 14 goals to 13 at the opening change. Dom Roche scored 12 goals for the Hawks, while Eleisha Phelps scored twice, and for the Giants, Annalyse Carroll scored nine times and Abbey Raven four.
It was the Giants who turned it all around in the second quarter, however, scoring 14 goals to eight to lead 27-22 at the main break. Carroll scored eight goals and Raven six for the Giants, while Roche scored all eight goals for the Hawks.
The Giants continued to increase their lead in a goal-for-goal third quarter, scoring 11 goals to 10 to lead 38-32 at the final change. Raven scored six goals and Carroll five for the Giants, while Roche again carried the load for the Hawks, scoring all 10 goals.
The Hawks roared back into the game as the Giants stopped to a walk, scoring 13 goals to eight to finish the game, but it wasn’t quite enough to take what would have been their best win in years, with the Giants holding on by a goal.
Roche scored all 13 goals to finish with 43 for the afternoon, while for the Giants, Carroll scored four times to finish with 26 and Raven four times to finish with 19.